Today is Memorial Day in the US – it’s a day that we remember our fallen heroes.

This day isn’t just about a day off work or a BBQ with friends. This day is about much more.

This day is very special for me because my father fought in Vietnam and was a medic. He was there at such a young age – almost a decade younger than I am now.

To see war at such a young age, so up close and personal is something I’ve never gone through. But I have tremendous passion compassion for anyone who has served our country.

I’ve also had the privilege to work with members of the US Armed Forces who have come home and come to my events or worked with me to handle the aftermath of their experience.

The solution isn’t an easy one, but what I can tell you is that I think a lot more can be done for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. Because I’ve worked up close and personal with veterans, I’m starting to think about how we can help them integrate back into civilians lives – not just to get by, but to thrive and be truly fulfilled. I think we owe that to them.

As I thought about what to write for Memorial Day, I can’t help but think about being a hero. I mean, that’s what the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country are – they are heroes.

We may not know all their names. We may not know all their stories. But nonetheless each and every one of them are heroes.

What is a hero?

I think this is perhaps the best definition I’ve heard – it comes from philosopher, professor and mythologist Joseph Campbell (who wrote the book “Hero with a Thousand Faces” – so he should know a thing or two about heroes).

Joseph Campbell said:

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

I think this is so true and something that guides my life each day. I remember reading this quote early in my sobriety. And it was a wake up call for me to make my life about something more than just myself.

Hearing this quote and trying to embody it meant I had to change everything. Tony Robbins says that life opens up when we trade the need for significance for the need to serve and contribute.

This is truly a heroic transformation.And I see so many clients making this shift. From just a career about certainty and importance to a vocation about serving others.

And I think us; each of us, making this shift is vital to not only our own happiness and fulfillment, but really the best way to honor those that gave their lives so that we can have a shot at freedom.

America was founded on freedom. Many have died for freedom. Let’s not be scared of our freedom.

You are free to make new choices. To leave unhealthy relationships. To set new standards. To decide to take your career into your own hands. We are free to forgive. To begin anew today.

Let’s not be scared of this freedom. Let’s celebrate it. And most importantly let’s act on it. How many have given the ultimate sacrifice that that we could?

In the comments below let me know how you are going to celebrate your freedom.

Today, let’s thank all our fallen heroes for what they’ve given so that we could be free.

And Dad, I’m happy you made it through. Your strength inspires me every day.

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